ferry Abel Matutes Balearia
ferry Abel Matutes
âš“ The Abel Matutes is one of the largest and best-equipped conventional ferries in the Baleària fleet, able to carry up to 2,500 passengers and 600 vehicles. She works mainly on the routes between the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, and is especially busy on the Valencia–Ibiza and Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca links. Her name honours Abel Matutes Juan, the Ibizan politician and businessman who served as Spain's Foreign Minister and as a European Commissioner, and whose family founded the Palladium hotel group.
The ship was built at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) and entered service in 2003. She was acquired by Baleària and has been one of the mainstays of the operator's conventional fleet on the Valencia–Ibiza link, where an overnight crossing lets passengers sleep in a cabin along the way. At 186 metres long, she carries a full range of onboard facilities: a restaurant, a café, a shop, a children's play area, a pet area and several classes of cabin and seat.
History and background of the ship
The Abel Matutes is named after Abel Matutes Juan (Ibiza, 1941), one of the most influential politicians and businessmen in the history of the Balearic Islands. He was Spain's Foreign Minister from 1996 to 2000, under José María Aznar, and before that a European Commissioner for the Mediterranean and for Transport (1989-1993 and 1993-1994). He is also the founder of the Grupo Empresarial Matutes, which owns the Palladium Hotel Group chain.
Naming the ferry after the Ibizan politician is particularly fitting, given that the ship works precisely the route linking Ibiza with the mainland. Taken into the Baleària fleet in the early 2000s, the Abel Matutes has since been refurbished and upgraded, with better digital connectivity through the SmartB platform and improved passenger facilities.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26.8 m |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 2,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 600 cars (approx.) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri – Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) |
| Year built | 2003 |
| IMO number | 9247745 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel engines |
| Passenger decks | Several (car deck plus passenger decks) |
| Connectivity | SmartB Wi-Fi (Baleària) |
| Named after | Abel Matutes Juan – Ibizan politician and businessman |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~7 h | ~23:00 |
| Ibiza → Valencia | ~7 h | ~07:00 |
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~8 h | ~23:00 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~8 h | ~23:00 |
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~9 h | ~23:30 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~9 h | ~23:30 |
* Timetables are indicative and subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The harbours the Abel Matutes sails from
The Abel Matutes normally works out of the Port of Valencia and the Port of Ibiza.
The port of Ibiza is only minutes from the old town, so getting there is easy. In July and August — the height of the Ibizan tourist season — you should allow extra time at the port and book your ticket well ahead, because the ship regularly sails full.
If you are driving from Valencia, the ferry terminal is clearly signposted from the A-7 and V-30 motorways. The crossings are mostly overnight, which makes booking a cabin especially worthwhile so that you can sleep along the way.
We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are taking a vehicle, and 60 minutes as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Abel Matutes starts at roughly €45–60 each way in mid season on the Valencia–Ibiza route, and can exceed €90–120 in high season (July and August). Cabins cost extra, depending on the class you choose.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the biggest discount available and applies to virtually every crossing to the Balearics.
- Youth card: a reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
- Large families: discounts depending on the official category. You must show your large-family certificate when boarding.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Reclining seat |
| Wanting privacy and a proper rest on an overnight crossing | Inside cabin |
| As a family with children or a group of friends | Cabin with bunks (4 berths) |
| Looking for the greatest comfort, with sea views | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Seat or cabin plus a pet place |
| A frequent traveller with reduced mobility | Adapted accessible cabin (check availability) |
ferry Abel Matutes · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Abel Matutes. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, with access to all the ship's public areas. Ideal for short hops or travellers on a tight budget.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to all public areas
✓ Free SmartB Wi-Fi
✓ The most affordable option
Inside cabin · 2 berths
A private cabin without a window, perfect for sleeping through an overnight crossing. It has two berths, a private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and a wardrobe. The best choice for travellers who want a proper rest at the keenest cabin price.
✓ Private cabin for 2 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Free SmartB Wi-Fi
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings
Outside cabin · With window
The same as the inside cabin, but with a window or porthole looking out to sea. A more enjoyable experience for anyone who likes to watch the crossing go by and wants natural light along the way.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Free SmartB Wi-Fi
4-berth cabin · Family
A cabin with four berths, ideal for families with children or groups of friends travelling together. It has a private bathroom and every comfort of the standard cabin, with room for more people.
✓ 4 berths in a private cabin
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Air conditioning
✓ Ideal for families and groups
Preferente seat · Exclusive access
A restricted-access lounge with seats more comfortable than those in standard class. Ideal if you want more space and quiet without going as far as booking a cabin. Availability varies with the season.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Roomier seats
✓ A quieter atmosphere
✓ Free SmartB Wi-Fi
ferry Abel Matutes · On-board services
Café · Restaurant · Shop
The Abel Matutes has a full food and drink offering for her passengers. The café is open throughout the crossing and serves a wide choice of sandwiches, plated meals, hot and cold drinks and snacks. The restaurant has a menu of hot dishes and is a convenient place to have dinner before turning in on overnight crossings.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board. Pet-friendly area
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Abel Matutes has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. If you need special assistance when boarding or disembarking, or an adapted accessible cabin, we recommend contacting Baleària directly when you book to confirm availability and arrange the assistance you need at the port.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
The Abel Matutes is part of Baleària's SmartB platform, which gives passengers connectivity and digital entertainment throughout the crossing:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp, without using your mobile data allowance
- Series and films on demand on your smartphone or tablet
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Abel Matutes vs other Balearic ferries: which should you choose?
Baleària runs several ships on the routes to the Balearic Islands. The Abel Matutes is a large-capacity conventional Ro-Pax ferry, ideal for overnight trips where you want to sleep in a cabin. If speed matters more and you want to arrive within a few hours, Baleària's fast ferries such as the Eleanor Roosevelt or the Margarita Salas (on the Barcelona–Alcúdia route) are the better bet. This table should help you decide:
| Specification | Abel Matutes | Baleària fast ferries |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Conventional ferry | Fast ferry (catamaran) |
| Valencia–Ibiza duration | ~7 hours | Do not work this route |
| Bcn–Mallorca duration | ~8 hours | 3 h 30 min |
| Cabins | Yes | No (seats and VIP only) |
| Vehicle capacity | ~600 cars | 425 cars |
| Passenger capacity | 2,500 | 1,200 |
| Overnight crossing | Yes (ideal for a cabin) | No (daytime) |
| Price from (approx.) | ~€45 seat | ~€74 seat |
Frequently asked questions about the Abel Matutes ferry
Which routes does the Abel Matutes ferry operate?
She mainly works the Valencia–Ibiza and Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca routes. Depending on the season she may also cover Valencia–Palma de Mallorca and other Baleària links with the Balearic Islands.
How long does the Abel Matutes take from Valencia to Ibiza?
The crossing takes about 7 hours. The usual departure is overnight (at around 23:00), reaching Ibiza in the morning. It is a trip that lends itself to sleeping in a cabin.
Does the Abel Matutes carry cars?
Yes. She is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 600 vehicles on her car decks. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand.
What accommodation does the Abel Matutes offer?
She offers a reclining seat (standard), a two-berth inside cabin, an outside cabin with a window, a four-berth cabin (family) and a Preferente seat in an exclusive-access lounge.
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Abel Matutes?
For most travellers, yes. The Valencia–Ibiza crossing takes about 7 hours and leaves at night. Sleeping in a cabin means arriving in Ibiza thoroughly rested. It is particularly worthwhile for families with children and for anyone travelling in July and August.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the Abel Matutes?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform offers free Wi-Fi, WhatsApp that does not use your data, series and films on demand, and free digital newspapers through PressReader throughout the crossing.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Abel Matutes?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Abel Matutes?
Yes. The Abel Matutes accepts pets in a dedicated area. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the requirements on weight, carrier and health documentation on the Baleària website.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Abel Matutes has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. If you need special assistance or an adapted cabin, contact Baleària directly when you book to confirm availability and arrange assistance at the port.
How much does it cost to travel on the Abel Matutes?
A standard seat starts at around €45–60 in mid season on the Valencia–Ibiza route. In July and August it can exceed €90–120. Cabins cost extra. Balearic residents pay 75% less on the base fare. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a restaurant and food area on the Abel Matutes?
Yes. The ship has a restaurant serving hot dishes and a café open throughout the crossing, plus an onboard shop with snacks and travel goods.
How early should I arrive at the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 60 minutes is enough. In July and August, allow extra time.
When was the Abel Matutes built?
The Abel Matutes was built in 2003 at the Fincantieri yard in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy). Her IMO number is 9247745.
Who is the ship named after?
The ship is named after Abel Matutes Juan (Ibiza, 1941), the Ibizan politician who served as Spain's Foreign Minister (1996–2000) and as a European Commissioner. He also founded the Palladium Hotel Group.
What is the difference between the Abel Matutes and Baleària's fast ferries?
The Abel Matutes is a conventional ferry with cabins, ideal for overnight crossings and with more room for freight (~600 vehicles). The fast ferries (Eleanor Roosevelt, Margarita Salas) are quicker but have no cabins and work daytime routes from Barcelona to Mallorca. If you are travelling from Valencia to Ibiza, the Abel Matutes is your only conventional-ferry option with Baleària.
